Ed-ding for the Derby
JOHN LEEPER earned a 7-1 quote for the Cazoo Derby at Epsom on June 5 with a no-nonsense score in the Listed Betway Fairway Stakes at Newmarket.
The Ed Dunlop-saddled son of Frankel carries with him a weight of expectation.
Not only is the colt named after the trainer’s late father John, a Derby winner with Shirley Heights (1978) and Erhaab (1994). But he’s also the third foal of Snow Fairy, with whom Dunlop jnr captured the Oaks at Epsom and the Irish version at the Curragh 11 years ago.
“It’s named after my dad, so that is about as much pressure as you can get,” said Dunlop after watching John Leeper and William Buick score by a length and three-quarters.
“He can only get better with more racing. This is only hopefully the start of a horse that will do well in the future.
“He is very immature — just look at the size of him — and he needs more practice, which is probably what you don’t want to hear going into a Derby.
“He has run three times in his life but he is going the right way, so we will see how we go.”